This fly swatter looking device is an antenna called “The Leaf” and is made by a company in Raleigh, N.C.

It costs about $35-$40 and delivers live network TV as well as local news.

But to replace the 500+ channels offered by cable and satellite providers, you need more than free broadcast TV.

Some of the hottest shows on cable and satellite are available online. Streaming content from a computer to your TV isn't new... but it's getting a lot better and a lot easier to use.

For $5 a month, or $40 for the first year, you can stream TV shows and movies using a service called PlayOn.

Hulu, Comedy Central, HGTV, as well as subscription services like Netflix, Amazon and Major League Baseball are available.

What's more, using PlayOn TV you can watch your favorite shows on TV, an iPad or a cell phone. In addition to PlayOn, a streaming service called Roku can be used.

Another option for favorite shows is Hulu Plus, which costs about $8 a month.

If you want to proceed and cut that cable bill, here’s what you need.

An antenna for each TV in the house.

A streaming device for each TV –this particular Netgear box was bought for $20 on eBay. You can also buy a Roku, or if you have a gaming system in the house (such as a Wii or an Xbox), that works just as well.

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